A constant learning experience

Back in September, I undertook a new and mysterious challenge known as the New Visions: Journalism and Media Studies class at the Times Union. It was an experience I was thoroughly excited for and ready to start from the day I learned of my acceptance last spring. Little did I know what I was getting myself into.

This year, the class totally turned my preconceived notions of how to learn on its head. In writing, I learned to write standard news stories, test knowledge through research papers all while blogging twice a week. This had me writing all the time and constantly refining my style. In reading, I read books on various topics so frequently that it never seemed to come with a break. The reading led to much analysis and helped me to learn the various subjects the class was meant to cover. It also taught me to pay a lot of attention to detail as reading quizzes seemed to come early and often. They weren’t fun, but they showed me how to read more into the stories.

This class also covered most subjects that I’d never taken in high school. Whether it was journalism, economics or communications, I was learning about concepts, some I’d heard of and others I hadn’t, that broadened my mind and had me thinking critically constantly. These subjects also had me working on projects and powerpoints that furthered my learning experiences. Then there was the technology. Between Twitter, inDesign or powerpoint, I came to understand some important applications that I expect to use in the future. Finally, there were the discussions.

Whether it involved something in the news or what we were learning in one of our classes, anything and everything turned into an in-depth discussion. This wasn’t always exciting and turned irritating or saddening some times, but the discussions were insightful and helped me to truly see all viewpoints. I may not have agreed with them all, but I learned to accept the points of view.

Now the discussions and learning are ending for me at our white house. This is a day I almost forgot was coming but also one I’m relieved to see arrive. New Visions has helped me to grow as a student and a person. I know I learned and deal with difficult people and situations better thanks to this class. While unfortunately, my choice to be in New Visions took me away from Mohon most of every school day and kept me from really experiencing my senior year, it taught me some lessons and gave me memories I cannot forget. The class was a very different experience and one that began my transition to college. It also helped confirm my feeling that sports broadcasting is the profession I want to pursue.

In closing, I want to thank the people at the Times Union. Not only did many of them take time to impart wisdom on the class, they allowed me to blog and gave my classmates internship opportunities. As far as internships go, I would like to thank Rich Becker, Scott Morlock and all the great people at Fox. My time there was fun, insightful and always worthwhile. I know I learned a lot in the television field and felt like I became part of their “family.” This not only confirmed my career aspirations, but also excited me for my future career path. I can only hope that the stations I work at are as fun and friendly as Fox was. Finally, I’d like to thank Greg Stapleton. While Greg wasn’t our teacher, he did so much for us. He helped us whenever we needed it, shared his views and wisdom on various topics and made us feel at home in the house. As I prepare to leave New Visions at the end of today, that’s what I’ll always remember about the white house; it was home. While it was a place I wasn’t always happy to be in, it’s a place I know I can always go back to. That’s what makes New Visions special and something I will never forget.